Hydrocephalus In Children

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

What is hydrocephalus?

Hydrocephalus is a condition caused by too much cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) inside the ventricles of your child's brain. Ventricles are spaces inside the brain where cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is produced. CSF surrounds your child's brain and spinal cord. CSF is constantly being made and absorbed by your child's body. It moves through ventricles before it drains out and gets absorbed into the bloodstream. When CSF cannot drain properly, the fluid pressure may cause the ventricles to swell.

What increases my child's risk for hydrocephalus?

Your child may have been born with hydrocephalus. The following can also increase his risk:

Infections in the mother during pregnancy caused by bacteria or a virus

Problems during the growth of the fetus that may cause defects in the brain

Head injuries or trauma

Infections in the brain and its coverings

Prematurity (being born too early), which may increase his risk for bleeding in the brain

Tumors that may decrease or block the flow of CSF

What are the signs and symptoms of hydrocephalus?

Infants and young children: The most common sign is a rapid increase in head size. The head size increases because the bones of a baby's skull have not yet fused together. Other signs and symptoms include the following:

Eyes that are turned downward

Bulging fontanelles (soft spots of the head)

Fussiness, restlessness, or crying more than normal

Problems with holding the head up, or frequent bobbing of the head

Seizures

Sleepiness

Vomiting

Older children: The bones of the skull in older children may have fused, which may cause different symptoms than those seen in infants:

Blurring of vision or double vision

Drowsiness

Headaches that have occurred over a long period of time

Nausea or vomiting

Mood changes, learning problems, and memory loss

Problems in controlling urination

Problems with balance and walking

How is hydrocephalus diagnosed?

Your child's healthcare provider will examine your child's head and measure it's size. Your child may also need any of the following:

Neuro signs , or neuro checks show healthcare providers your child's brain function. They will check how your child's pupils react to light. They may check his memory and how easily he wakes up. Your child's strength, balance, vision, and other brain functions may also be tested.

An ultrasound, CT, or MRI may show bleeding, extra fluid, or blockage. Your child may be given contrast liquid to help his brain show up better in the pictures. Tell the healthcare provider if your child has ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid. Do not enter the MRI room with anything metal. Metal can cause serious injury. Tell the healthcare provider if your child has any metal in or on his body.

A lumbar puncture , or spinal tap, is a procedure to collect a sample of CSF fluid to check for infection or test CSF pressure.

How is hydrocephalus treated?

Treatment should begin as soon as possible to prevent brain injury.

Surgery:

Shunt placement helps drain extra CSF fluid through a tube from your child's brain into his abdomen where it is absorbed.

Ventriculostomy helps drain the extra CSF fluid through a small hole in your child's brain.

Medicines may help decrease the swelling your child's brain or treat a bacterial infection.

Call 911 for any of the following:

Your child has a seizure.

When should I seek immediate care?

Your child has a bulging fontanel (soft spot on the top of his head).

Your child's headache is getting worse, even after you give him pain medicine.

Your child has trouble hearing, talking, or seeing.

Your child has problems walking or weakness in an arm or leg.

Your child is vomiting and cannot keep any liquids down.

When should I contact my child's healthcare provider?

Your child has a fever.

Your child becomes more fussy, restless, or sleepy than usual.

Your child seems confused or does not know his family or friends.

You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your child's care. Learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your child's caregivers to decide what care you want for your child. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.